Uganda 7s claimed a commanding 31-12 victory over Madagascar to win the first leg of the Africa Men’s 7s at the Labourdonnais Sports Grounds in Mauritius. The triumph marked a strong start for Uganda as they aim to qualify for the 2025 World Challenger Series.
The final match began with Aaron Ofoywroth scoring the opener for Uganda, sprinting past his markers on the wing to land a try in the right corner. Madagascar had a chance to respond after gaining possession, but a turnover allowed Uganda to launch a swift counter-attack.
Timothy Kisiga showcased his agility by sidestepping a defender before passing to Adrian Kasito, who secured the second try. Philip Wokorach converted, giving Uganda a 12-0 lead.
Madagascar fought back with a kick-and-chase play, narrowing the gap to 12-5. However, Uganda quickly regained control. A strategic switch in play saw Wokorach set up Ofoywroth for his second try, extending the lead before halftime.
After the break, Madagascar scored a converted try, bringing their total to 12 points and briefly reigniting their hopes. Uganda, however, responded with determination.
Okeny broke through Madagascar’s defense to score a try, further increasing Uganda’s lead to 24-12. Kisiga then added another try, sealing the game beyond Madagascar’s reach. Wokorach’s conversion brought the final score to 31-12, securing Uganda’s victory.
Reflecting on the win, Uganda’s captain expressed pride in the team’s performance and emphasized their focus on the upcoming second leg. “It was a great team effort today. We executed our game plan well and kept our composure. We’re excited to carry this momentum into next weekend’s tournament.”
Meanwhile, South Africa secured third place with a dominant 35-7 win. After a tightly contested first half, they pulled away by scoring 22 points in the second half, demonstrating their strength and depth.
As the teams shift their focus to the second leg of the Africa Men’s 7s next weekend, Uganda will aim to maintain their winning form to secure overall victory and edge closer to qualifying for the 2025 World Challenger Series.
The next round promises to be an intense battle as the teams vie for supremacy in the tournament’s decider.
